Providing a Safe Return to Health Care

Content Provided by Northern Light Mercy Hospital

At Northern Light Mercy Hospital, the health and safety of our patients is always our top priority. For that reason, we want you to get the care you need for your health conditions when you need it.

Our team is dedicated to providing safe, high-quality care no matter what is going on in the world, and we want you to feel confdent when you come to us. All our locations – from hospitals to healthcare centers – have implemented enhanced safety measures to keep you safe. We hope the infographic accompanying this article and the answers to frequently asked questions below are helpful as you consider seeking care.

We’ve also developed a series of videos to show you what you can expect at your in-person visit to our hospitals, walk-in care locations, emergency department, and medical offces. These videos and additional FAQs can be found by visiting NorthernLightHealth.org/SafeCare.

If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact your healthcare provider to learn more.

Are you seeing general patients?

Yes, and our Safe Care Commitment ensures your in-person visits to all our facilities are welcoming and safe. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and recommendations to physically distance, we are also offering telehealth visits when possible.

Telehealth uses computers or telephones to provide care when you are unable to see your healthcare team in person. In-person visits are still available for care that requires a face-to-face visit, physical examination, treatment, or procedures. Your care team will help you determine which is best for you.

What happens when I arrive?

You will be greeted by one of our employees who will provide you with hand sanitizer and a mask if you do not have one. This greeter will also ask you some screening questions and take your temperature using a touch-free thermometer. You may be asked multiple times about any symptoms you may have during your visit—please be patient. This is for your safety.

Have you increased cleaning frequency within your hospitals and clinics?

Yes, we have established new, more frequent cleaning protocols throughout all our hospitals and clinics.

How are you ensuring patients stay more than six feet away from each other?

We have observed that our patients already are doing a good job of physical distancing. We have also reorganized our reception areas and public spaces with fewer chairs and marked our foors at sixfoot intervals. We’re working hard to schedule appointments with time to avoid any crowding in our reception areas.

While our current universal masking policy adds another layer of protection, the expectation is that physical distance will be maintained using scheduling, workfow changes, and physical design of our spaces.

To learn more about our services, testing, and what Mercy Hospital is doing to keep patients safe, please visit NorthernLight.org/Mercy.

Northern Light Mercy Hospital, a nonproft community hospital sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, has been providing care to greater Portland since 1918. Mercy consistently receives an ‘A’ grade by The Leapfrog Group for meeting the highest safety standards in the country. It has also been recognized as a top hospital by Newsweek and U.S. News and World Report.